Turn Up For The Books 2026

We’re inviting five young people from County Durham to work alongside New Writing North’s 18-25s writers’ group, First Edition, to programme and run their very own event for Durham Book Festival in October.

The programme will involve two industry-based masterclasses in Newcastle, on programming and marketing & PR, and one workshop day in Durham where’ll you’ll pull together the details of your event. Workshops will be led by professionals from across the sector and will include practical exercises as well as real world insights.

Eligibility criteria:

— You must be aged 18-25 at the time of application
— You must have a Durham postcode to take part

You must be available to attend activity on the following dates:

— Wednesday 20 May: Introduction to programming masterclass, 6pm-8pm, central Newcastle
— Wednesday 3 June: Marketing and PR masterclass, 6pm-8pm, central Newcastle
— Saturday 13 June: Practical workshop day in Durham City Centre
— 9–11 October 2026: Durham Book Festival

Your event will take place during Durham Book Festival on the weekend of 9–11 October 2026 and successful applicants will be required to perform volunteering roles at your event and at other festival events.

Places are limited. The deadline for applications is Monday 11 May and successful applicants will be notified by Friday 15 May.

If you have any questions regarding the programme, please contact [email protected]

Funded by Amazon Regional Creatives